Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

viii. Letters

a/n: Quite a lot of this chapter will be to do with important letters that have been written so that'll be in italic

Viserys and I seemed to be getting closer since he apologised to me. He had carried me back to my chambers after I fell asleep, and we talk almost every day now. I have also been teaching Daenerys as much as I can about life in Westeros. She does not seem to like the fact that we are next to nothing, and neither do I, but what are we to do about it from Essos?

I have offered to teach Viserys what I know as well, but he denied my help. I understand that, as he is a Southerner, and he has also been able to spend time in Westeros, unlike Daenerys. Everyone in Westeros knows that the North and the rest of Westeros do not see things the same way. We are probably more like the Dornish, despite the fact that they are on the other side of the Seven Kingdoms.

A letter had arrived for me today, but I had just been speaking to Alios about my intentions whilst in Pentos. He is acting differently after the kiss, but I expected that. I expected it to change things, and it will never be the same ever again, but I would like to try and make things better between us. I still wish to be his friend, as foolish as it may seem.

When I finally got to look at the letter, I felt excitement shoot through me. A smile immediately crossed my face, as I saw that the letter had the Stark seal on it. I opened the letter and saw different types of handwriting, which meant that everyone had written back to me. That made me so happy that I wanted to cry.

Dearest Alessia,

We all agreed to write this letter to you, in order to express just how much we all miss you. I do not know if you can recognise my handwriting still because I have not written back to you in so long, but it is Robb. I miss you so much, and I wish that you did not get yourself exiled. Although, exile is a lot better then death. I have been well, and my martial skills are becoming stronger. Father also suspects that I will make a good lord, and I have gone to visit the Karstarks, Umbers, Manderlys, and Glovers since I last wrote to you. Smalljon told me to tell you that he misses you as well. I want you to come home soon, Alessia, so please do your best to do the right thing. Let Father convince King Robert that you have paid for your crimes. I miss the eldest of my little sisters, and I want you back.

It is Jon writing now. I do not really know how to start this, as I do not write letters often, and it is even rarer that someone would write a letter like this. Winterfell is not the same without you, as you always stood up for me and I would stand up for you. Your mother does not show me much love still, but I am used to it now. Arya and I have grown closer, and I see in her the stubbornness that you have. I miss you, and I hope to hear more about your journey around Essos. Just know that we all miss you, and if you are ever allowed to return, that even if the others cannot welcome you back, that I will.

Theon is writing now. I just wanted to tell you that Winterfell has not felt the same since you left. I miss my closest friend and sister-figure. As I am not your family, I do not wish to take up a large space on this parchment. Just know that I miss you and await the day that you come home. Maybe I will be Lord Greyjoy by then, like you always insisted I would be. I wish to see you again one day.

Hello Alessia, it is Sansa writing this now. Your travels around Essos are quite interesting, as are the stories that you have shared. Robb always shares your stories with us, as he knows we all miss you. He also likes sharing stories of you with Rickon, so that even if he does not remember what you look like, he will know about you. I have gotten much better at sowing and songs, and Father promised that one day he will take me to King's Landing to see a tourney. I am excited for that day, and hopefully I will get to be the one to tell you about my journey. I would like to do it in person, but if I must write, then I will write.